In Marlboro, Animal Control is responsible for picking up stray dogs and cats, responding to animal complaints and seeing that all dogs and cats are licensed in the Township. In addition, Animal Control assists with the enforcement of leash and curbing laws. If you find you are in need of Animal Control services, please contact Animal Control at (732) 536-0100 (ext. 1415).

Residential Wildlife Control

The Township of Marlboro is unable to provide services for healthy residential wildlife control. We advise that you call a private residential wildlife control company to assist you with problems. Telephone numbers may be found in the phone book or by online searches.

If an animal is acting unusual, appears to be sick, or is threatening you in some way, please contact our Animal Control Officer immediately at (732) 536-0100 (ext. 1415). During weekends, and after 4:00pm on weekdays contact the Police Department at (732) 536-0100.

Injured Animals

If you encounter an injured dog or cat, please contact our Animal Control Officer for assistance at (732) 536-0100 (ext. 1415). During weekends, contact the Police Department at (732) 536-0100.

In New Jersey, cats are the third highest species of animal to encounter rabies. This is largely due to the numbers of stray unvaccinated cats that are found throughout New Jersey. Trap and neuter programs promote vaccinations and the keeping of cat colonies with population control. However, newly vaccinated cats remain protected for only one year and eventually become susceptible again to rabies. Once a stray cat is trapped, it is extremely difficult to trap again for revaccination. As such, given the nocturnal habits, feral cats are more likely to encounter wild raccoons (the natural reservoir for rabies). Therefore, to minimize the threat of rabies to the general public, it is unlawful to feed feral cats in Marlboro Township.

Fox

There are two species of foxes found in New Jersey: the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). Both species are present throughout the state. Both are classified as game species and are valuable furbearers and have both hunting and trapping seasons.

Problems associated with foxes include depredation on domestic animals, perceptions of danger to humans (healthy foxes pose virtually no danger to humans), and their potential to carry disease organisms. Foxes will prey on small livestock such as ducks, chickens, rabbits, and young lambs, but generally do not bother larger livestock. Cats may also be preyed on. Foxes often carry their prey to a secluded area or their den where it is eaten by the adults and young.

Foxes, especially red foxes, commonly live in close association with human residences and communities. They frequently inhabit yards, parks, and golf courses, especially areas that adjoin suitable, undeveloped habitat. Foxes can grow accustomed to human activity but are seldom aggressive toward people. Healthy foxes pose virtually no danger to humans. Expanding housing development, particularly in historically rural areas, increases the chances of interactions between humans and foxes, as well as other wildlife.

Many homeowners do not realize that their lawn may be a more attractive habitat to foxes than surrounding mature forest. Eliminating healthy foxes is not warranted based solely on human safety concerns. People uncomfortable with the presence of foxes should remove attractants, exclude foxes with fencing and employ scaring techniques. In many cases, homeowner's perceptions of problems are unfounded and in some cases, the mere presence of a fox is perceived as a problem.

Animals that appear sick or that are acting abnormally should be avoided. The following symptoms may indicate the presence of rabies or other neurological diseases in mammals: unprovoked aggression, impaired movement, paralysis or lack of coordination, unusually friendly behavior and disorientation.

Local animal control officers, police, or the Division of Fish and Wildlife's Wildlife Control Unit or the DEP Hotline (877-WARN-DEP) should be contacted if assistance is needed with a diseased animal.

Coyotes / Coyote-Wolf Hybrids / Coywolfs

The coyote is a wild member of the dog family. This resourceful mammal has expanded its range significantly in the recent past, colonizing the entire Northeast and now found throughout New Jersey. The coyote was never introduced or stocked in New Jersey, but has firmly established itself in the Marlboro area through its extremely adaptable nature

The coyote hybrid, known as the coywolf is currently most commonly called “eastern coyote”. However, recent research suggests that this animal is both genetically and morphologically intermediate to western coyotes and eastern wolves. So, even though most people refer to these animals in the Northeast simply as “coyotes”, their background is much more complex and recent science states that we should more properly call this animal coywolf.

If a coyote/ coywolf is seen on your property or any other wildlife, just monitor the situation. If the wildlife is just passing through without showing signs of injury or aggression (possible rabid) then there is no need to call the Animal Control Department. We can only handle sick or injured wildlife within Marlboro Twp.

In suburban areas, turkeys not subject to hunting pressure may appear tame and may be more prone to inflict damage to golf courses, gardens, and lawns. Sometimes during the spring breeding season, turkeys in suburban areas are reported pecking at cars, and chasing or otherwise intimidating people. Large, shiny objects such as cars or windows may prompt aggressive behavior by males during the breeding season.

Turkeys can be very persistent, and efforts to control them must be just as persistent. The good news is that, unlike other species such as deer or raccoon, turkeys are not active at night. This makes it easier to confirm the source of damage and to develop solutions to reduce problems.

It is against State policy for Animal Control to remove or relocate any Wild Turkeys. Animal Control can assist with only sick or injured wildlife. We have been working with the DEP in attempts to reduce the population with a trapping program that only DEP can regulate. For further assistance or more information regarding Wild Turkeys, please visit the state website.

Black bears are the largest land mammal in New Jersey. They are an integral part of the state's natural heritage and a vital component of healthy ecosystems.

Since the 1980s the Garden State's black bear population has been increasing and expanding its range both southward and eastward from the forested areas of northwestern New Jersey. Within the most densely populated state in the nation, black bears are thriving and there are now confirmed bear sightings in all 21 of New Jersey's counties.

Division of Fish and Wildlife personnel use an integrated approach to managing New Jersey's black bear population, fostering coexistence between people and bears.

The most common bear problem New Jersey's residents experience is black bears getting into their garbage. Bears are attracted to neighborhoods by garbage odors, so properly securing your garbage is one of the best ways to prevent bears from becoming a nuisance in your community.

Residents are encouraged to work within their community to make sure all garbage is secured and kept away from bears. For tips on proper garbage management and coexisting with bears, visit: www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearfacts_avoid.htm[8]

Black bears by nature tend to be wary of people. However, if you encounter a black bear in your neighborhood or outdoors while hiking or camping, follow these common-sense safety tips.

Never feed or approach a bear!

Remain calm if you encounter a bear.

Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises.

Make sure the bear has an escape route.

If a bear enters your home, provide it with an escape route by propping all doors open.

Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away.

To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans or using an air horn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.

The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws and swat the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact and do not run.

If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. It is usually not a threatening behavior.

Black bears will sometimes "bluff charge" when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away and do not run.